(Pyrus communis)
While Bosc Pears are not a Canadian cultivar they are widely grown across Canada and have been extensively trialed. Developed in 1807 by Dr. John-Baptise Van Mons in Belgium, growing Bosc pears is not for the impatient. The trees are difficult to propagate and take a long time to start producing fruit. That being said, it’s well worth the wait. Once the trees become productive, they produce regular and abundant crops.
Bosc pears are medium sized with a long neck and have dark, yellowish skin with brown flecks. Its flesh is yellowish-white and crunchy with a juicy taste. The plants are well suited to shipping as they rarely have problems scab and mildew and can be stored for 6 to 8 months in cold storage. Keep in mind that they are susceptible to fireblight, pear blast and mites. Boscs are ready for harvest the first week of October and are at their peak of sweetness in early December.
With files from Charlie Embree’s 100 Apples and 100 Pears: A Collection of Characteristics for 100 Apples and 100 Pears.
Photo courtesy of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
